Anyone with military experience please help?

Question

On behalf of a friend who is lacking internet access:

'I am thinking at this early stage of joining the armed forces, most likelt the Marines, and most likely as an officer. In the last year I have discovered personal fitness at an extreme level; punishing myself to surpass my own limits, forever seeking the next level. I seek the ultimate challenges, the unattainable goals, anything that pushes me beyond the limit of endurance until nothing else in the world matters apart from beating the inner enemy- self doubt.

I think a career in something like the Marines, or another combat-orientated discipline, would suit me down to the ground. But will I suit service (as a leader of men?), or is my approach to life to selfish and egocentric? Is personal betterment frowned upon by selection committees- do I have to be a team player 100% of the time, or is the urge to excel myself desirable?'

Thanks guys.

Answer 1

Wow. What introspectful thoughts. I'm a former Marine and you're too smart to join us. We need killers. Cold, hard killers. If you think too much then you aren't killing.

Answer 2

Selfish and egocentric....only you really know. I would suggest infantry either Army or MC. Just realize that as an officer you are expected to lead, and you are given the rank to better serve those above and below you. Just wanting grueling physical fitness is not in the officer job description nor will you ever be successful if all you want is to go through a bunch of harsh training. Just remember, even if you go Infantry, or SF you are still going to be doing a lot of stuff that has nothing too do with killing people or running 200 miles.

Answer 3

Competitiveness, self discipline, pace setting, are both selfish and team playing attributes. Your desire to attain new heights will fit well in your new job as a leader in the Marine Corps.

The Corps looks for individuals that can think outside the box, but at the same time represent it's policies and objective without question, and with enthusiasm and commitment!

You sound like you have the stuff new Marines should be made of, but I do recommend that you ratchet down a notch or two. If you were to use some of the jargon that you used to explain yourself to a group of grunts, they will all walk away scratching their @ss!

Answer 4

I've been in the Army for over three years and I've known quite a few Marines. After reading what your friend wrote there's no doubt in my mind that he will LOVE the Marine Corps. They try to portray an image that demonstrates a lot of teamwork, but he'll still be allowed a lot of individuality and freedom. They really are pretty hardcore like that in combat MOS's, so maybe he should go Infantry. I thought about joining the Marines but I think the Army was the right choice for me. He really just needs to call the recruiter.

Answer 5

Ambition is good, it can profit you greatly if you have the discipline to apply it wisely. Personally I have found Christianity to be the most challanging call in my life (beating the inner enemy - hits the mark exactly, the battle rages on daily). I spent eight years in the enlisted ranks of the Army, I think it was very helpful to bring structure into my life. The Marines would be a great choice, they certainly are the "proud and the few"... glad to hear you are in good physical health. Reguarding enlisted vs. officer... in the enlisted ranks you will learn practical warfighting, whereas in the officer core you will learn processes, procedures, politics and a lighter application of warfighting. They both have their strenghts, you need to pick. Now... let's look at this by rolling time forward... in 10 years where do you see yourself? Joining the Marines will not make you wealthy financially... but it will strenghten your character. The answer to your question depends on your long term plans, much like the selection of mutual funds... these kinds of decision are life changing.

Answer 6

Don't go in immediately as an officer. Join the army as an infantry private for 2 years. Make it to specialist, with a good deal of experience. Try to get deployed at some point. Once you have some leadership experience, either go green to gold, or get out and go rotc. I recommend the latter. In fact, that's what I'm doing now. Don't go Marine, though. I like the guys, but they're stupid. The suffer twice the casualties, and get half the kills. Trust me on this, I know what I'm talking about. If you go in as an officer immediatelt, you'll look like a fool, and your joes will see it. You need to have some experience first.

Answer 7

You are taking yourself far to seriously, man! I think your life willl be made a misery in the forces. And when those guys in the forces take the piss, it hurts like hell. They will beat the self-obsession out of you, along with the crap! But then, after a while, it may bring you down a few pegs, and you could actually be of some use. Oh! Yeah, remember, in combat, people DIE!

Answer 8

You have achieved 10% OF YOUR GOAL....LEADERSHIP IS decided at the ground level, mental...not physical. Try college, learn something, then decide if you want to join..You need a brain in your head, not a muscle on your arm, to be a true leader of men.

Answer 9

You have to be a team player 100% of the time.

Answer 10

Buddy, Join the Service of your choice, and then go to OCS (officer candidate school) you will fit right in. US Army

Answer 11

Nice of you to do this for him.

Marine bootcamp should work out some of his issues. It's a team-oriented service, not for individualists. There's more to it than just physical challenges. Shouldn't be too difficult for him.

Officer schools may be out of his reach. He has to apply and try his luck.